Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie will undertake background checks on James O’Connor’s behaviour off the field in Europe before he considers making the trouble-making star part of his plans for the 2015 World Cup.
The pair have been engaged in regular dialogue over recent months, with McKenzie encouraging O’Connor to lock down a Super Rugby contract for next year as quickly as possible.
McKenzie and ARU chief executive Bill Pulver have made it clear that the dynamic attacking weapon will be welcomed back, but with no guarantees of resurrecting his international career unless form and off-field discipline are up to scratch.
O’Connor had developed a reputation as a problem child and was on the nose with teammates over his attitude before departing for a stint overseas with London Irish and then Toulon.
However, the 23-year-old has signalled his intentions to find a Super Rugby club for next season.
McKenzie said he’s heard nothing to suggest O’Connor has been anything but professional during his time away, but will make enquiries when the time is right.
“Footballing wise he’s a good footballer… the issue was what he was doing away from football,” McKenzie told AAP.
“I haven’t had as much visibility obviously he’s over there, but I haven’t seen anything untoward and I know people over there.
“I’ll work all that out. If it becomes relevant I’ll find that out.
“We are trying to invest in people for the right reasons for the team and the team deserves to have the best footballers but also the best people.
“That’s across the board, not just him.”
McKenzie said the ball was in O’Connor’s court as to negotiations with Super Rugby franchises, but would like to see him get something secured in the coming weeks.
“Now is the time to be having chats because you know what players are coming off contract and you can plan your squad around it and work from there,” said McKenzie.
“He’s got to break bread with one of the Super teams … he knows how I’m thinking about it from an eligibility perspective (for Wallabies).
“I don’t think anyone has their name pencilled in (for the World Cup).
“There’s 14 Tests to happen this year before we worry about anyone who is playing in 2015.”
The Western Force were the only team interested in O’Connor before he made his shock exit from Australia, but Pulver expects the 44-Test Wallaby to be sought after.
“I believe there are some discussions going on. We’d love to have him back,” said Pulver.
“I think he appears pretty committed to coming back and forcing his way back into the Wallabies team and I’m delighted with that.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf (of franchises) but he’s a good player. And a player like that with the right attitude is a wonderful asset inside a Super Rugby franchise … I would have thought there’d be people interested in snapping him up.”
Keith of WA
Guest
Geez I wanna puke.... Jamie pandaram writes drivel about JOC wanting to recommit to aus rugby in 3 months time? My god can't we be done with this pratt? If he is so scared about falling out of the public eye by his absence, get on the plane, knuckle down and do a QC, commit LONG term to a club, do whatever it takes to get back on the ground in a local club if necessary and spare us the regular updates on the JOC saga... Keeping in touch with the Force but hopeful of interest from other clubs? You still don't get it do you D@$# Head? You are wanting a club to come after you so you can tick off the world cup on your list of entitlements but play a bidding war! And you've always wanted to play sevens?? since when???? and you don't know if it can be worked out? Well who's a bit full of himself and the desire for rules to be bent to suit his KPI's????? Well guess what... if the Force can see these kinds of statements as yet more evidence that you still don't get it (I WILL SPELL IT OUT.... IT'S ABOUT THE CLUB, NOT YOOOOUUUUU) you might just find the door remains closed.... And THAT will be a lesson for you and your sense of entitlement!!!!
RobC
Guest
JOC as Reds 12. That's the Aussie conference sewn up. Only if JOC puts the brand where it belongs. And the pack does a decent job.
atlas
Guest
no - it says maternal grandparents; both his parents NZ-born, his mother's parents (his maternal grandparents) are South African Not that it matters, he committed to Australian rugby as I think we'd expect, where he's done very well for a man his age, and expect we'll see him back in Wallabies colours
Kibz
Guest
Zim has produced some great players: Tendai Mtawawira, Tonderai Chavanga, Kennedy Tsimba (all capped Boks), as well as Pocock.
Chan Wee
Guest
@ atlas : basically what ur sayin is, JOC's mother is south african and his father is either Auzzy or NZer. dont know about rugger in Zim , but they had many very good cricketers like Flower brothers, Streak, Goodwin, Jhonson, Ervine brothers, Campbell, et al. quite a few left the country with the polical regime change.
Crazy Horse
Guest
Pocock is from Zimbabwe.
atlas
Guest
'JOC was born on the Gold Coast…' to New Zealand parents if we are to believe Wiki - he had a range of options if he had chosen to travel/represent another country: O'Connor was born in Australia on the Gold Coast. He lived in Auckland for five years as a child until the age of eleven, when he returned to Australia with his family. O'Connor's parents are from New Zealand, and his maternal grandparents from South Africa. This, along with his Australian birth, meant he was eligible for all three Tri Nations teams.
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Is Pocock JOC's good half-brother? Hmmmm
Scrumpoacher
Guest
The comments re nationality are just pure trolling idiocy!!! JOC a saffer? His mums parents are from SA-makes him one for sure...
redder than kevin
Guest
I am glad that somebody is taking a strong hand with JOC. Deans should have taken just such a hand.
felix
Guest
maternal parents grandparents are south african,Pocock has African blood aswell ;-)
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Much worse.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
JOC was born on the Gold Coast...
garryowen
Guest
Is JOC the KP of Rugby- both originate from SA!
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
I bet Beale is praying that McKenzie is not scoping out the local bars as well.